The keen runner has decided to take on an six-day trek through the Great Silk Road route, which winds 200 miles across the wilds of Tajikistan.
Stirling student Ava Drake is preparing to take on a spectacular running challenge across Central Asia as part of efforts to protect a fragile environment.
Ava is a PhD student at the university’s institute of aquaculture, which studies issues including backyard fish farming – with some parts of the world suffering the impact of climate change on their incomes.
As part of her efforts to support a global charity supporting the issue, keen runner Ava has decided to take on an six-day trek through the Great Silk Road route, which winds 200 miles across the wilds of Tajikistan.
Speaking to the Observer, Ava explained the reasoning for stepping up to the plate and why the cause is so important.
She said: “I’ve always been someone drawn to a challenge and I’ve already done the Mongol Derby, which is a 1,000km horse race across Mongolia on the former postal route of Genghis Khan.
“I was scrolling online and saw the information about the Great Silk Road run and once I decided to commit to it, I wanted to find a cause which would make the journey more impactful for me.
“The run will support Aquaculture without Frontiers, which is an NGO looking to put funds into countries like Tajikistan which are facing a lot of challenges in aquaculture.
“The country faces serious food insecurity, with limited land for traditional agriculture and many people living below the poverty line.
“Aquaculture offers a sustainable, year-round source of protein, supporting local livelihoods and communities.
“One of the things I was told about a trip like this is to make sure you have a ‘why’ because that will help when times get tough.
“I’ve seen the impact of successful projects in aquaculture and so knowing how important the funds could be will help to keep me going – I know there will be a wider cause beyond the race itself.”
The Great Silk Run was started up by intrepid pair Danny Bent and Nick Carter and brings together participants from all over the world, weaving through the rugged terrain of the Pamir Mountains as well as crossing high mountain passes before ending near the Karakul Lake on the border with China.
Ava admits the run is a step up from her other challenges to date – and has been following an intense training programme including long-distance running, strength work and altitude conditioning.
She continued: “I’ve been on a rigorous plan since January because it will be a marathon a day in terms of distance and I also have to get used to the altitude element.
“I’ve been making use of the Munros across Scotland for that, a lot of climbing and running as well as making sure I have the right kit.”
To find more about the run and the charitable cause, you can visit Ava’s website on runningforresilience.org.
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